Naphill Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 71.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Naphill Common is a very special natural area in Buckinghamshire, England. It covers 71.1 hectares, which is about the size of 175 football fields! This beautiful place is located in the village of Naphill and is known for its amazing wildlife and plants.
The common is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it's a landscape that is protected because of its special beauty. It's also listed in a very important book called A Nature Conservation Review, which highlights the best wildlife sites in Great Britain.
Contents
What Makes Naphill Common Special?
Naphill Common is officially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife, geology, or landforms. The government protects these sites to make sure their special features are looked after for everyone to enjoy.
A Unique Woodland
This common is mostly covered by woods with lots of oak and beech trees. Experts believe it's one of the most natural woodlands in the entire Chilterns area. This means it hasn't been changed much by people over time.
The common has many different kinds of trees and shrubs. You can also find areas of "acid heath," which are open spaces with sandy soil where special plants grow. There are also "wet rides" (paths that can get muddy) and small ponds, which are great for different animals.
Ancient Trees and Their Importance
Many of the oak and beech trees here are very old and have been "pollarded." Pollarding is a traditional way of cutting trees where branches are cut high up, above where animals can reach them. This makes the trees grow new shoots from the top. These ancient pollarded trees are super important because they create homes for many small creatures like insects (invertebrates) and different types of mosses and fungi (lichens).
Rare Plants
In the open heathland parts of the common, you can find some plants that are quite rare in Buckinghamshire. These include heath bedstraw, which is a small plant with tiny white flowers, and Calluna vulgaris, which is a type of heather. These plants add to the common's special natural beauty.
Common Land and Its History
Naphill Common is also known as "common land." This means that local people, called "commoners," have special rights to use the land in traditional ways. These rights have been passed down through generations.
Commoners' Rights
- Estovers: This is the right to collect materials like wood for building or repairing fences and houses.
- Grazing: Commoners can let their animals, like cattle and pigs, eat the grass and plants on the common.
- Firebote: This is the right to collect firewood for their homes.
These traditional rights help to shape the common's landscape and keep it healthy.
Visiting Naphill Common
Naphill Common is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature. You can get to the common from Forge Road and Chapel Lane. It's a great spot for a walk and to see some of the amazing plants and animals that call this special place home.
 | Precious Adams |
 | Lauren Anderson |
 | Janet Collins |
